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Entry Level Merchant Mariner Credential Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lake Michigan Carferry

Galley Utility - LMC

Ludington, MI · On-site

$14/hr

This position is the perfect entry-level position! Room for advancement, either within the galley ... Galley is required to hold or have the ability to obtain a USCG Merchant Mariner Credential and a ...

Interlake Steamship Company

QMED

Cleveland, OH · On-site

Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) * U.S. Coast Guard Endorsement as Qualified Member of the Engine Department (QMED) * Valid U.S. Coast Guard Medical Certificate * Valid U.S. DOT ...

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How much do entry level merchant mariner credential jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level merchant mariner credential in the United States is $18.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the easiest job to start at with no experience in the maritime industry?

Entry-level merchant mariner positions such as deckhand or ordinary seaman are among the easiest to start with no prior experience. These roles typically require a Merchant Mariner Credential and involve basic tasks like cleaning, maintenance, and assisting with cargo, often on commercial vessels or ships. Basic safety training and a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) are usually required before employment.

How much does entry-level MSC make?

Entry-level Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMC) holders typically earn between $40,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on the vessel type, location, and specific role. Starting salaries for entry-level mariners can vary based on certifications, experience, and the employer, with some positions offering additional pay for overtime or hazardous duty pay.

How much do entry-level merchant mariners make?

Entry-level merchant mariners typically earn between $30,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on the vessel type, location, and experience. Starting salaries can increase with additional certifications, such as STCW or AB, and as mariners gain more experience and seniority onboard ships.

What is the difference between Entry Level Merchant Mariner Credential vs Merchant Mariner Credential?

AspectEntry Level Merchant Mariner CredentialMerchant Mariner Credential
Required CertificationsBasic STCW certifications, medical exam, background checkAdvanced STCW certifications, additional training, experience requirements
Work EnvironmentEntry-level maritime roles on commercial vessels, ships, or cargo operationsSkilled positions with more responsibilities, often on larger vessels
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level positions in shipping, freight, and maritime industriesQualified mariners with experience, supervisory roles

The Entry Level Merchant Mariner Credential is designed for individuals starting their maritime careers, requiring basic certifications and limited experience. The Merchant Mariner Credential is for experienced mariners with advanced certifications and greater responsibilities. Both credentials are essential in the maritime industry but serve different career stages and roles.

Can you get a job on a cruise ship with no experience?

Entry level merchant mariner positions on cruise ships often require minimal prior experience, as many companies provide on-the-job training. However, applicants typically need a valid maritime credential, such as a Merchant Mariner Credential, and may need to meet physical and background check requirements. Having customer service skills and a willingness to work long hours can improve chances of employment without prior maritime experience.
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Entry Level Merchant Mariner Credential jobs near you

Merchant Mariner Credentialing Specialist

United States Coast Guard - ABILITY Job Fair

Houston, TX • On-site

$58K/yr

Other

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

This vacancy is for a GS-0963-7/8, Merchant Mariner Credentialing Specialist located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, REGIONAL EXAM CENTER-HOUSTON in HOUSTON, Texas.Qualifications:

To qualify at the GS-07 grade level, your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-6 grade level in the federal sector. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work. Examples of specialized experience include performing the following types of tasks on a regular basis.

  • Reviewing applications or supporting documents for completeness or accuracy against established legal or regulatory guidelines; identifying and noting discrepancies; and communicating with applicants or stakeholders to gather required information.
  • Applying rules, policies, or procedures to process applications, claims, or similar requests;
  • Providing oral or written responses to public inquiries about program requirements; and using computer systems to enter or retrieve case information.

To qualify at the GS-08 grade level, your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 grade level in the federal sector. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work. Examples of specialized experience include performing the following types of tasks on a regular basis.

  • Reviewing applications or supporting documents for completeness or accuracy against established legal or regulatory guidelines; identifying and noting discrepancies; and communicating with applicants or stakeholders to gather required information.
  • Interpretating and applying rules, policies, or procedures to process applications, claims, or similar requests;
  • Providing oral and written responses to public inquiries about program requirements; and using computer systems to enter and retrieve case information.

NOTE: All experience statements (i.e., duties, specialized experience, or related applicable assessment) copied from this announcement and pasted into your resume will not be considered as a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.
NOTE: Education cannot be substituted for experience at this grade level.
National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:This position does not have a positive education requirement. If you are including education on your resume, report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. See Required Documents section for detail.
Are you qualifying based on education? Submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial is acceptable) from an accredited institution. Once selected & prior to appointment, applicants must provide an official college transcript. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualification requirements if you can show that your foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the U.S. (see FOREIGN EDUCATION below).
College Transcript: If this position requires specific educational course work to qualify, or you are qualifying based in whole or part on education, you are required to provide all unofficial transcripts (undergraduate, graduate, etc.) by the closing date of this announcement or you will be disqualified from further consideration. Transcripts should be legible and detailed, showing course number and department (i.e., bio 101, math 210, etc.), course title, number of credit hours, and grade earned. If course content cannot be easily identified from the title of the course as listed on your transcript, you must submit an official course description from the college/university that reflects the content at the time the course was taken.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualification requirements if you can show that your foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. To receive this credit, you must submit evidence of equivalency as provided by a credentialling evaluation service. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence with your application. See Recognition of Foreign Qualifications click here
Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered.Employment Type: OTHER

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